What do I say in interviews about why I left my last company?

Anonymous

February 19,2023 at 8:07PM UTC

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What do I say in interviews about why I left my last company?

Late last year my company started having financial trouble and layoffs happened nearly every week since - usually with no rhyme or reason and all US based in a global company. As expected the stress of a reduced workforce and the leadership team seemingly to have lost their minds, took its toll on me and my team. I protected them as much as I could.

One day, I was called incompetent for a minor mistake on a call with 6 other people by the CEO. That was all I could handle. I messaged my team and my boss that I was taking the rest of the day off because I didn't feel well. I needed a mental health break.

The next day I was fired. My boss told me that he lost trust in me among some other horrible things that were absolutely not true. This was the first conversation of any kind like this in my 15 months there.

The rumor mill confirmed that I was actually fired because they thought I had an interview the day before.

I don't have an answer for the "why I left" question that isn't negative or drama filled. Can I say I was laid off due to financial trouble?

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AnonymousFebruary 19,2023 at 9:36PM UTC
You certainly can state that the company was experience some rapid changes and that you didn’t see future career opportunities if you stayed.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 2:27PM UTC
But then you need to need to pivot to the career opportunities you DO see at the new job. Interviewers can (sometimes) be forgiving of less-than-tidy reasons for leaving but they want to be sure the same circumstances won’t follow you. (Because of course employers are never the problem.)
AnonymousFebruary 19,2023 at 11:58PM UTC
Just say layoffs and leave it at that. While not exactly what happened to you, they were the cause of the panicked behavior that followed.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistFebruary 20,2023 at 1:32AM UTC
An answer for the "why I left" question should never be negative or drama filled. Do not talk bad about your previous company or boss
So personally, I have no issues with you saying financial trouble. But getting fired may raise it's ugly head down the road.
Typically, when confirming employment, all that's allowed to be asked is to confirm the dates of employment and sometimes (not sure if all times) to confirm if you're eligible for re-hire. If you were fired, I'm guessing you would not be eligible for re-hire.
It might not ever come up. You could just say the company was doing rolling RIFs (reduction in force (layoffs)) and leave it at that and if it comes up later, you can explain what happened. You could say they thought you were interviewing for a job (which is understandable given multiple rounds of layoffs) but you weren't and they let you go.
They may ask why you didn't mention you were let go though. It's a fine line to walk.
GOOD LUCK!
Crystal HowellFebruary 21,2023 at 1:53PM UTC
Check with eeoc if you can get unemployment. Check with employee attorney, regarding remarks that caused mental health stress, etc. Take a trip out of town, start looking for that dream job
Crystal HowellFebruary 21,2023 at 1:54PM UTC
Why you left, I'm pursuing other business interests.
Jessica FerlandFebruary 21,2023 at 3:06PM UTC
If it helps, I dont know that interviewers ask that question much anymore. More likely: what interests you/ makes you feel like you are a good fit for the position that you are applying for. That said, I would answer that the company underwent some structural changes and you are pursuing new opportunities. Keep it neutral. You look professional and they get the point. Good luck!!
AyianFebruary 21,2023 at 5:15PM UTC
"Financial constraints" is an honest and fairly neutral answer. I list reasons for departures on my resume underneath the job title I held to help curtail interviewers asking about these things in the moment. I can be more talkative than is helpful sometimes. :)
Farah BajwaFebruary 21,2023 at 6:26PM UTC
Hiring managers expect that candidates won't disclose all the nitty gritty details of why the candidate left or was let go. I think when they ask the question its to gauge if you were proactively looking for something new or if you'd rather have stayed.
If its not literally stated in paperwork from your former employer, i feel you then you have wiggle room on how to convey the parting of ways. From what you've shared what started all of this is financial challenges and a reduction if force so I think its fair to say that since you were affected by its wake.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 7:07PM UTC
“Financial trouble “ is perfect and well established. Get some documentation on the ongoing layoffs and you are golden with your answer!! Good luck. Forget this mess of a company.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 7:45PM UTC
I agree that using a simple refers to financial issues is perfect.
I am using this at the moment and anyone who cares to Google my former employer can see all the recent press releases detailing the number of employees with dates of the layoffs and details on their struggles.
AnonymousFebruary 21,2023 at 8:40PM UTC
I think you keep it simple. Best line would be "directionally the company and I were not aligned in they way they wanted to progress and so I decided I was time for a change. I prefer not to look for work when I am employed so I separated from the company when I realized this to focus on my search" Nice and simple.
AnonymousFebruary 22,2023 at 1:20PM UTC
Keep it short and simple. You could state that they decided to go a different direction with your position and/or you are just looking for a new challenge. Don't go down a rabbit hole if you don't have to explain what happened in detail.